The court approved Yoon's release request after determining that his Jan. 26 indictment, which extended his detention, had come hours after the initial detention period had already expired. Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung decided not to appeal the court's ruling, allowing for Yoon's release, though both impeachment and criminal trials against him will continue.
"I appreciate the court's courage and determination in correcting the illegality," Yoon said in a statement after arriving at his official residence in central Seoul on Saturday evening. Meanwhile, Yoon's legal team criticized prosecutors for delaying his release, which came 27 hours after the court's decision.
The ruling People Power Party welcomed the development, calling it "a just decision" and expressing hope it would "serve as an opportunity to correct the distorted rule of law." The opposition Democratic Party strongly criticized the prosecution's decision and called for the Constitutional Court to formally remove Yoon from office in its upcoming decision. The top court is expected to rule on whether to remove Yoon from office or reinstate him later this month after concluding hearings on Feb. 25.
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